Increase in Mpox Cases in Philadelphia
Increase in Mpox Cases in Philadelphia
There is an active mpox outbreak in the Philadelphia area. There were 5 confirmed cases between January and October 2023, and Philadelphia began seeing an increase in cases in November 2023. In recent weeks, 0–4 cases per week have been reported, with a total of 17 cases identified. Vaccination continues to be an important preventative measure as recent cases were unvaccinated.
Eligible individuals should receive mpox vaccination with the Jynneos vaccine. Vaccinating high-risk individuals will help prevent further community spread.
Use the button below to order the Jynneos vaccine. If you do not carry the Jynneos vaccine, please counsel and refer to either Health Center #1 or available Rite Aid pharmacies. Use the CDC’s mpox vaccine locator to find a Jynneos provider in your area.
JYNNEOS Commercialization
Bavarian Nordic (Jynneos manufacturer) intends to move the Jynneos vaccine (mpox) to a commercial market in the spring. In anticipation of this change, providers are encouraged to place vaccine orders to accommodate your patient population. Once the Jynneos vaccine is commercialized, please refer patients to Rite Aid pharmacies and FQHCs.
Clade I Variant
Clade I mpox virus, a highly transmissible variant causing more severe disease, is circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To date, only Clade II has been detected in the U.S. since 2022. Similar to Clade II, Clade I can also be acquired through sexual contact. Clinicians should inquire about travel to the DRC in all patients with suspected mpox. Testing for suspected Clade I should be coordinated through PDPH. To report cases, please call (215) 685-6748. For immediate reporting and consultation after hours, on weekends, and on holidays, please call (215) 686-4514.
Resources
- CDC: Mpox vaccine recommendations
- CDC: Mpox vaccine eligibility criteria
- PDPH: Mpox case data
- PDPH health advisory: Increase in Mpox cases in Philadelphia